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Actively Northwest Neighborhood: The Eastside

Known as the Northwest tech hub, the Eastside offers far more than a plethora of 9 to 5 gigs. With access to outdoor recreation and some of the most innovative fitness studios around, it’s hard to find an excuse to stay sedentary. Take a look at our favorite places to break a sweat and refuel.

Where to Explore

Downtown Bellevue Park: Right in the heart of Bellevue, this downtown park offers 21 acres of serenity from the bustling city. For a quick midday walk, take a few laps around the outer loop, which is half a mile long.

Sammamish River Trail: Local runners and cyclists love the Sammamish River Trail, which can be accessed from Blyth Park, Bothell Landing, Jerry Wilmot Park, 60-Acres Park and Marymoor Park. The paved trail is a little more than 10 miles, but you can connect to the Burke Gilman Trail in Blyth Park in Bothell and continue all the way to Seattle. You can also continue on a gravel path from Marymoor Park into Redmond as the trail becomes the East Sammamish River Trail.

Bridle Trails State Park: For a quick city escape, head to Bridle Trails State Park, centrally located between Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond. Try the interpretive trail for an educational experience. At only 1.5 miles long, it’s perfect for kids.

Where to Break A Sweat

Cycling: In Kirkland, try Fly Fitness – it’s not your average cycling studio. You can start with the classic cycling class, but we encourage you to branch out and try their full roster of classes – with combos like Fly Cycle Yo (cycling plus yoga), Cycle and Suspend (cycle plus TRX suspension training) or take a chance with Organized Chaos Bootcamp.

Yoga: Whether you’re looking to cross-train or want to move beyond downward dog, Hot Yoga Inc. is a great option for any fitness level. All classes are offered at hot temperatures, but you can try different types of yoga like Power, Hatha, Sculpt and more. Try the new student special – 10 classes for only $10.

Where to Refuel

Located in the heart of downtown Bellevue, Jujubeet is a hidden gem for tech workers looking for a healthy pick-me-up. Co-founders Bianca and Mala started the juicery less than a year ago with three goals in mind: “Make it yummy, make it organic and make it convenient.”

If you looking for a grab-and-go option, head to Jujubeet’s fridge, filled with mostly raw, vegan, and vegetarian meals and snacks (our favorites are the cauliflower couscous and kale salad), as well as their ready to drink, cold pressed juices. Or head to the counter and let the staff make you a juice or smoothie from scratch. Bianca’s favorite right now is the seasonal Rhubarb juice, made with fresh, organic rhubarb from the Tonnemaker Family Farm in Snohomish, Wash.

If you’re new to juicing, speak up! The staff will help you select the right juice for you based on how hungry you are and what activity you’ve done that day.

Do you have any favorite activity spots or healthy businesses you frequent on the Eastside? Let us know in the comments below!